So. You've chosen Outcasts United -- I just finished this one. I was a bit worried because while I like soccer (yep, played for two years in high school), I usually don't pick up books whose focus are on sports. This one was a pleasant surprise though! The back stories of the players and coach were fascinating, and I was shocked about how much I learned about the world (and my world in Des Moines) just from reading about a soccer team. There are lots of play-by-play games, so for those sportier readers you'll have lots to enjoy!
You don't have to finish the book before you start writing. As a matter of fact, stopping and writing when something strikes you will probably be most revealing about how you're making meaning of the work. Don't shy away if you don't like the book it's not often that we find our favorite books in the first few pages -- the practice of critical reading expects us to find the flaws in writing, and strong readers are alert to the places where they disconnect from the text. I'm dying to know how you feel about the characters, plot, theme and the WRITING!
Oh, one quick caveat -- please don't summarize the text; I've read the book I don't want to know what happens in the book, I want to know what you are thinking about the book.
You don't have to finish the book before you start writing. As a matter of fact, stopping and writing when something strikes you will probably be most revealing about how you're making meaning of the work. Don't shy away if you don't like the book it's not often that we find our favorite books in the first few pages -- the practice of critical reading expects us to find the flaws in writing, and strong readers are alert to the places where they disconnect from the text. I'm dying to know how you feel about the characters, plot, theme and the WRITING!
Oh, one quick caveat -- please don't summarize the text; I've read the book I don't want to know what happens in the book, I want to know what you are thinking about the book.
Thanks! Look forward to hearing from you!